Katherine Gorge In Nitmiluk National Park – A Complete Guide

Katherine Gorge (also known as Nitmiluk Gorge) is one of the most unique locations in Australia and an absolute must-see on your Northern Territory itinerary.

In addition to its outstanding beauty and native wildlife, Nitmiluk features a series of 13 gorges in total and offers activities to suit everybody – on the ground, in the water, or up in the sky!

Enjoy amazing bush walks where you can admire the cliffs and different types of landscapes or choose one of the many Nitmiluk Gorge tours such as the famous boat cruise, or go kayaking in the adventurous waters. Heck, why not be a bit more drastic and go on a scenic helicopter flight.

I have put together this complete guide of Nitmiluk Gorge including where it’s located, the best time to visit, and a list of five awesome things to do during your visit. 

 

 

WHERE IS KATHERINE GORGE

Katherine Gorge is located in the Northern Territory of Australia, and it lies within Nitmiluk National Park.

If you are heading south from Darwin, the distance is 290 km and it will take you approximately 3-hours by car.

 

 

BEST TIME TO VISIT NITMILUK GORGE

Nitmiluk Gorge offers a tropical climate, so if you are looking for some nice sunny days the best time to visit the area is between May and September.

Bear in mind that during the dry season it may be too hot for hiking or bush walks and that during the wet season the water levels may rise so high that it will impede activities like canoeing and kayaking or even boat cruises.

Be sure to plan your trip well in advance so that you make the most out of your visit.

Nitmiluk National Park

 

KATHERINE GORGE TOUR FROM DARWIN

For those of you who are interested in visiting with a tour, you can book a full-day scenic Katherine Gorge Tour from Darwin which includes the following:

• Pick-up and drop-off from Darwin
• Explore the Nitmiluk Gorges
• Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise
• See Aboriginal rock art sites
• Refresh in Edith Falls
• Visit Adelaide River War Cemetery
• Enjoy lunch in Nitmiluk National Park

BOOK NOW → KATHERINE GORGE TOUR FROM DARWIN

 
 

ARRIVING AT NITMILUK NATIONAL PARK

When you arrive, there is a large car park with plenty of free parking spaces available.

At the entrance, you will find the Nitmiluk National Park Visitor Center where you can grab a map and further information about the area. 

There are also toilet amenities, picnic, and barbecue areas available for use.

RELATED ARTICLE → KATHERINE HOT SPRINGS

Sunset over the gorge

 

5 THINGS TO DO

Now that you’ve got all the information on where to find the gorge and the best time to visit, let’s get to the fun stuff.

Please see the list below of 5 awesome things to do during your visit. 

 

KATHERINE GORGE CRUISE

If you’re a water lover, the Katherine Gorge Cruise may be the highlight of your journey. With many different options to satisfy all types of travelers, enjoy an easy-going boat cruise through the gorge in the morning or in the afternoon.

The cruise offers an authentic experience of Australian unique wildlife, plus you get the opportunity to enjoy the little secrets such as waterfalls, natural pools, and expended rivers where you can take a swim.

In addition to all the water sports at Nitmiluk Gorge, you can also appreciate the beautiful sandy beaches and remarkable cliffs as you cruise slowly upstream. 

This is a perfect option if you are doing a family trip as you have diverse activities for everyone. You can also take a cultural cruise to learn more about local history.

BOOK NOW → KATHERINE GORGE CRUISE

 

Cruising through the gorge

Nitmiluk Cruises

 

SCENIC HELICOPTER FLIGHT

Undoubtedly, one of the best activities you can do is a scenic helicopter flight with Nitmiluk Heli-Touring. It’s not every day that you get the chance to fly over such a unique and beautiful landscape!

Besides being an experience of a lifetime, there couldn’t be a better place for it. You can enjoy the stunning views as the pilot Matt comments on the landscape and its features.

Choose from a 3 Gorge, 8 Gorge, 13 Gorge, Art Site, Swim Site, or the Ultimate Tour.

If you are feeling even more adventurous, you can also add on some thrilling activities like hiking, crocodile spotting, and heli-fishing, to name a few.

There are longer flight options available of up to 3 hours which may be something to consider if you wish to see all 13 gorges.

Prices start as low as $108 per person. 

Nitmiluk Heli Tours

Nitmiluk scenic helicopter flight

 

HIKING KATHERINE GORGE

Hiking in the gorge is an experience of a lifetime. Here you can enjoy the beautiful Australian flora and fauna by foot, on short trails of 40 minutes, or start an adventure that can take you days, or even weeks.

Depending on the time you have available, and your level of fitness, there are many different walks available. The trails are considerably short with moderate difficulty.

Don’t forget that if you are hiking on a hot day, between September and December, you should be well prepared with plenty of drinking water and food.

Never hike alone and make sure to notify a friend or family member of where you intend on going hiking before you hit the trails. 

In the southern region, there are eight different trails that start at around 1.8 km and up to 39 km in length. At the western end of the gorge, you can admire the amazing escarpment and the 17 Mile Valley.

22 km from Katherine, there is also an epic tropical limestone cave system (the only one in the world) – the Cutta Cutta Caves. There are daily tours available to enter the caves and see the rare ghost bat and the horseshoe bat.

Besides all of this, there is also the Jatbula Trail, perhaps the most exciting walk on offer with its amazing hidden spots, and which can take you up to 5 days to complete.

Hiking in the gorge

 

BARUWEI LOOKOUT

At the western end of the gorge, you can find the Baruwei Lookout and my personal favorite viewpoint, especially at sunset.

Baruwei Lookout walk is around 1.8 km return, and the Loop walk is 4.8 km.

The trail to Baruwei Lookout is clearly marked and features a combination of concrete paths and steel staircases that lead you up the large boulders to the very top of the cliffs that envelope the gorge.

When you reach the summit, you’ll find a large wooden viewing platform that boasts extensive views over Nitmiluk National Park. 

The best time to visit Baruwei Lookout is at sunset as you are able to witness the last rays of golden sunshine setting over the mountains in the distance. 

RELATED ARTICLE → THINGS TO DO IN ALICE SPRINGS

Baruwei Lookout

Sunset over the gorge

 

KAYAKING IN THE GORGE

If you are looking for a little bit more of an adventure, you can choose to do some kayaking or canoeing down the gorge.

If you have the opportunity to join one of the kayaking tours, you can expect to see eagles, cockatoos, wallabies, land monitors, and if you are lucky enough maybe some freshwater crocodiles.

There are tours that can take you to explore smaller parts of Katherine River, or you can choose to dedicate a full day to explore more of the gorge.

Do note that if you wish to enjoy the kayak and canoe experience you should aim to visit between May and December, as the levels of water can force these activities to be canceled during the other months of the year.

BOOK NOW → KATHERINE GORGE KAYAKING

 

Photo: Jake Hudson

 

This trip was in association with NT Tourism and Backyard Bandits.